We invite anyone reading this to join us for some humor, encouragement, applause, and most of all, friendship during your journey to a healthier lifestyle. We know that what you weigh is not who you are. The door is open - won't you join us?
To you single moms out there: Happy Father's Day!! Since you play the part of a dad at least a little bit every day, my hat's off to you!
Susan - glad all went well Friday night. Now we want to know what happened last night too, lol. One of the most fun dates I ever had was with a cash-challenged college student. We walked in the park, sat on the picnic tables, and then he pushed me on the swings while I felt like a little girl again. But, alas, I left him for an old flame.... he didn't have any $$ either, lol.
Marti - sounds like Jhanai is having such a fun birthday celebration! Tell James I wanna go shopping with him, too, lol. Daddy's are a big sucker for their DDs, don't you think so? But that's okay. YAY to you for the 1 pound down! It's so sweet of you to want to send me something for losing 50 pounds, but don't you know you've already given me the gift I need? All of the words of encouragement and all of the applause is priceless... I truly mean that, Marti.
Angie - how'd the open house go? Hopefully you'll get a nibble. Your drive sounds so relaxing.
Hi to the other JLs out there.. My goal for the day is to spoil Neal. What's on your agenda today? Have fun with your DHs, and your Dads, too, if you're blessed enough to still have one....
Good day....
I slept so much last night,,,ahhh Monte and I had a fire in the pit and relaxed drinking cidars...went to bed around 10 and I woke up at 10! Made french toast and lean bacon, and we tried to go see Day after tomorrow but the timing was off for us...no biggy. Its a good day to relax...
no nibbles on the house,,,we have someone coming today to look between 4-6 grrr I hate that,,,I think 1 hours grace is enough.
Good point Jana,,,Happy Fathers day to all the single parents out there!
Good for Neil...enjoy!
Well Im going to go snuggle for a bit before we have to leave the house again...
Angie
I just cleaned the apartment and am going to walk the girls up to Ben & Jerry's.
Gaby is with her daddy and hope to get her back among my lil chickies in an hour or so......lol. Miss that little girl, she went last night.
The older girls and I went to church and their fathers day gift to their dad is to be with me for the day, he needs a much needed break.
So.
Les & I did end up at the movies. I picked The Terminal with Tom Hanks.. ..super good.We both liked it.we met at a Starbucks,and had a chance to sit outside and chat. He is super outgoing and makes talking with so easy.He really is kind man, like him a lot.
He fixed my cell phone for vibration because it was on ring.Rachel had called right when we got in the theatre and said..." I am boooooooooored!!"....lol. I told her " I'm not.....good bye"...lol.
So, he was nice to sit with in the dark.....saw his hand inch closer and closer but it never reached me....lol.Our elbows did share an arm rest though.... ...romantic, eh???? lol
We did hug twice good bye - he gives nice hugs and he called me after I got home to talk for a minute.
That was that,,,,,,he said he would call me today sometime. He is getting his daughter ready for camp and had to mow the yard.
Hot , hot in this office so am going to go.
Best on that house Angie!!!!! Cross Fingers and all.....
Wow, I missed a few days and it's like reading a novel when I get back! I hope everyone had a good weekend.
Yesterday I managed to get the bedrooms switched around. Now I'm on the east side (no hot evening sun heating the room) and away from my noisy neighbor and his barking dog. It's too bad some people are just so inconsiderate. Now my butt muscles hurt so bad from dragging my furniture around!
Yesterday was a much better day than today, food-wise. But tomorrow is a new day. I've got to bust my butt (literally!) for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I just realized, my Kiss/Poison concert is 19 days away! YIKES!
Jana - Congrats on breaking the 50 lb mark! Fabulous! Did you celebrate, or treat yourself to anything?
Angie - Your weekend sounds so relaxing and pleasant. My DBF mentioned that he wants to go one day this summer and spend it at a lake, relaxing in the sun, pack a cooler, and cook out! Now that sounds like an idea! I don't envy you, with the house situation. I went through that last year, a nightmare!
Susan - Sounds like you are having a good time with Les is more! Hope things continue well for you.
Well, I'm bushed today. Didn't do anything spectacular, but anyway. Think I'll go to bed early, it's going to be a long week. I can tell already!
Been home the last couple hours trying to cool off. A/C has been off all day....I know I shouldn't whine about being hot...not everyone has A/C....so I'll shut up!! (my electric bill will be more this summer trying to stay cool than in the winter when I'm trying to stay warm!)
James made breakfast this morning before we left for Enchanted Forrest. I should have made it myself since it is Fathers Day...but he's been doing a lot for Jhanai this weekend.
We had a good time at Enchanted Forrest. For those of you who have no idea what enchanted forrest is...It is a cute area that they had made up years ago that has most of the charaters from fairy tales. I will have to post photos when I get the chance. It's a little hard to explain. But we had fun.
Jhanai didn't want to go into the haunted house so she waited while James & I did. We walked what seemed like forever all over the place. Then we finally had to head back to town for my grandpa's bbq. Lots of family. Mostly all my aunts were there....my dad and uncle had to work. So my grandpa was surrounded by women!! (James and another man were the only other men around)
Ok..I think I'm babbling on here so I will close for now. You all have a great week....and I will chat some more tomorrow.
Susan, sounds like wonderful first date. I hope you took advantage of everyone being gone and slept in...
Jen I told myself I would do something productive this weekend,,,and I didn't. And right now I don't care... Lazy bug that I am.. I went out and bought Ben and Jerry's and ate part of it watching Cidar House Rules...Half baked...YUM!
Sounds like you had a wonderful Fathers Day Marti,,,and yes you better stop complaining about the heat,,,so far we have only had 1 ONE hot day,,,which was Sat.
I have a bit of a tan.
Ive had two phone calls tonight,,,both sad. My friend Andrea passed on late last night, funeral is Thursday. I can say Im relieved shes over her pain, but sad cause of her baby. AT 8 months she will never remember her...
And my other call was my friend Angelika, she started work at my place, but only lasted 2 days,,,,it wasn't for her. Thing is she wouldn't return mine or Becky's calls,,,which worries me....
Anyways tongiht she called finally,,,I asked how she was and she broke down crying,,she had just found out her husband had been fooling around with another woman,,,and has a baby with her. He walked out on her back in the fall,,,couple of days before their anniversary, saying she was too fat...and she turned him off...ya hes a nice guy...would right now like to beat the living tar out of him. Ya Im in a nasty mood.
better get to bed...before I think about paying some house calls...grrrr
Angie
Angie - glad you had a nice weekend with Monte. Too sad about Andrea and Angelika both. Especially about the 8 mon. old baby. But you can help Angelika get over this - it happened for a reason that she doesn't know about yet. I know she hurts so much right now, though.
Susan - Neal and I are going to see The Terminal one day this week. We try to avoid the weekend crowds when we can. But Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I am really wanting to see that movie. Glad things are going well with Les and happy for you having a good weekend with your DDs.
Marti - awww, sounds like Jhanai has had lots of fun for her birthday. We'd love to see some pictures when you get them posted. Glad you got to spend some time with your grandpa.
Jen - my reward for the 50 pounds was the final charm on my bracelet. It is a key and lock to represent the key to success of losing 50 pounds. Glad you got the bedrooms switched. I think you'll like it better that way.
Hi to the others.
We had so much fun yesterday! The kids and grandkids were here, and we women spoiled the men like they did for us on Mother's Day.
Later we bought a treadmill at Wal-Mart and Neal set it up for me. I made room for it in the playroom by taking out a chair and a hope chest full of blankets. Today he will be hooking up a TV in there, too. I didn't want to mess with the playroom because I liked it just as it was, but I guess it will be okay. I used the treadmill last night, and it felt good to use those muscles.
Jana~CONGRAT'S on hitting the half-way mark! And what a great gift to yourself! I love the charms and the meanings, so cool. Now are those the only charms on your bracelet? I too have a charm bracelet, but never thought about doing something like that. Of course I got mine a few years ago for my birthday from V & the kids. I have room for 2 more charms but haven't found any that I like or that has meaning to me so...I will keep looking. Hey, I thought I saw somewhere you mentioned Joyce Meyer-what was the name of the book again if you don't mind? I have her Eat & Stay Thin book that I am getting ready to read again, as well as Dr. Phil's book. I so desperately need to get back on track. You will like having a treadmill, especially when winter hits. V thought ours wouldn't get much use but let me tell ya, we all use it and there has never been any clothes hanging from it!
Marti~glad Jhanai had a great BD. As I was reading your post I was thinking what the heck is Enchanted Forest? Then I read on, I firgured it had something to do with that. I haven't been to Chuck E. Cheese in ages. Even when the kids got older we still went because it was a fun place to go, and the pizza was good!
Susan~so glad the date went well. Les sounds like such a sweetie and I am glad you guys hit it off. I too want to see The Terminal, like Jana we too don't care for going when the crowds are there. I usually wait a few days after it started and then go during the week. Anyway, we had gone to see Lady Killers, w/Tom Hanks and when we got to the theater there was a note on the door saying there had been a mistake in the paper-great. So we went to see Raising Helen. Not sure it was something I wanted to see, but would have watched it on tv. But V and I were set on seeing a movie and there was nothing on. It was actually good, kind of sad, but funny and good. Going to see Dodge Ball Wednesday with DS#2 & DD, heard it was funny and saw the previews. Then V and I will go see The Terminal proabaly next week.
Angie~so sorry to hear about your friends. About the 8 month old baby, it will definitely know it's mother if the father keeps photos and tells it about her. I know the kids only remember some things about their dad and they were 10 (a month from being 11), 9 1/2 & 7 1/2. I have always kept a picture of their dad in the house and V never had a problem with it. Last Christmas I went through all my pictures and put together a photo album for each of the kids, not just of them, but of all of them, of relatives, their dad, special events. I thought why wait till I am dead for them to have some pictures. I think that was the best present they ever got. Now if I can get their scrapbooks done that will be the second best present!
Jen~Sorry to hear about the noisy dog. We were a little leary of moving back into town after having a horrible neighbor in OK. The guys liked to get drunk and turn his stereo up full blast and get out ther singing to it. I don't know how many times I called the cops, they actually had noise police. But we couldn't find a house in the country and this one seemed perfect. There are no neighbors behind us, and so far the neighbors are really nice. I say so far because they are going to build two more houses across the street. There is an elderly lady on one side of us and a young couple on the other side, a single older lady next to them. A couple just moved into the cul-de-sac and a single lady with two girls bought the house next to them. I like that there is a good mix, not just young couples. But so far no noisy dogs, well unless you count the young couples poodle. That thing yaps, and yaps because it wants inside, but it is not bothersome.
Today was the start of a new day for me ladies. I am fed up with not doing anything about this weight loss. I am also ashamed of myself and embarrassed, because I have watched three friends lose over 50 lbs. while I sat here and lost 10 lbs. and then gained it all back and then some. I know everyone is different and I am not jealous of the fact that they lost the weight. I am actually ecstatic for them and glad that they did it, knowing how hard it is to do. I am trying to get down to the reason that I eat so much, and the junk that I eat. I know I am addicted to food, and I know a lot of it stems from growing up poor and feeling like I never had enough to eat, but what the heck do I do about it??? Definitely need to work on that. But I am just so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I took a good hard look at myself in the mirror this morning and I definitely don't like what I see. They say you are supposed to love your body and yourself but how can you love your body and yourself if you are disgusted looking in the mirror? I want to love my body but I don't want to love it the way it is. I feel if I love my body at this weight then I am saying to myself I am satisfied with the way I look and it's okay to be this fat, and I am not. Does that make sense? Since getting married I have gained almost 30 pounds and I wonder how I did it. Well, I know how, duh! Do we get that comfortable once we find a man and then say to **** with it? Sure seems like I did, both times! Anyway, I am doing something about it today because I can't live like this any longer. I have to get this weight off once and for all, no if's and's or but's! Wish me luck ladies. I am going to post my weight and weigh-ins at the bottom of my signature once again as embarrassing as it is, and will leave it there.
Nothing on the agenda for today except laundry, a little straightening of the house and some more reading. I have gotten into a reading mood and don't want to quit, which is a good thing because I have to reread Dr. Phil's WLC, Eat & Stay Thin, and Fit From Within, but after I read the The Right Hand of Evil by John Saul. That man write some freaky stuff. I finished Late Bloomer by Fern Michaels saturday then started on Nightshade by John Saul. I didn't go to bed till a little after 2 this morning because I had to finish that book-good. Of course after those I need to start in on the books I have bought instead of checking out books from the library, LOL! Someone mentioned LaVryle Spencer can't remember who, just wanted to say I have almost all her books, love her! And Sandra Brown, & Mary Higgins Clark. Those have to be my favorite writers. Okay, I am starting to babble I need to get going. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. Take care ladies. TTFN
Christi- I mentioned LaVryle Spencer. I am reading Seperate Beds by her right now. I also like Sandra Brown, M.H. Clark, Danielle Steel..oh heck, I like too many to mention. As I said I will read anything except Sci-fi. I am wishing you luck in your new weight loss endeavor.
Angie- That is so sad about your two friends. I agree that the husband will have to keep the mother's pictures and keep her "alive" for the baby, by talking of her and remembering things for the baby to hear. The friend who found her husband cheated...that hurts. My first marriage ended that way. I am glad she has a friend to talk to and hope you will be there for her. It is a very hard time for her and she will need all the friends she can get. I had family, but so many of my friends were not there for me and it really made me bitter at the time. Thank goodness that was long long ago and I have survived. (Got some new friends along the way)
Susan- Awaiting the next installment of Les is More. I am rooting for you guys. I think I told on here that my DD is dating an online match up. Of course the mother in me is hoping no one gets hurt in these relationships. (and I don't mean physically hurt...)
You gals are talking about going to the movies. We just got a reduced rate theatre here and plan to go this week. Ladykillers is on now, for $2.00. I also want to see The Terminal, and might pop for full price for that one. We don't go to the movies often. More so in Vegas because the casino gives us free passes, so that is fun.
I am still trying to find out what my health problem is. The Gastro. Dr. finally called this morning and they can't get me in until July 9th. I don't know what kind of test they will want, but my Dr. mentioned a scope. Sounds like FUN to me, NOT.
My neighbor friend is home from vacation, so I will try to get back to walking every day now. I haven't lost weight the last week, but mantained. I find that strange since I am never hungry and just eat because I need to. Could be because my hubby got on a milkshake kick and I kinda joined two days. (I don't even usually go for ice cream, but it sounded good and cold)
Hope everyone is having a good Monday. Hi to all Jaded Ladies.
Sue, I had a milkshake yesterday too, and felt all bloated and full. Im going to go and buy a protein powder and make *shakes* using that and then I can lose weight instead of gaining.
Cristi, what you said does make sense....and I need to do that too.
Jana, sounds like a wonderful Fathers Day...I had seen a brand new tread mill in the paper for sale,,,a third of the price so Im trying to convince Monte we need it...its a matter of finding room.
Well last night I admit I didnt' sleep,,,I woke up feeling all messed up so working today was harder then normal....
Will be going to bed early tonight,,,going for a walk with Angelika later.
later
Angie
Jana--The walmart we have here in town doesn't have treadmills. I will have to go to Eugene or Springfield and see if they have any there. I was talking to James last night about buying one soon.
Cristi--I understand how you feel. I think we've all looked in the mirror and thought the same thing. I've always wondered myself why we tend to get comfortable when we find a man and we tend to gain weight. For me, I think I've been trying to "keep up" with James and what he eats. Which is ridiculous because that man can eat! I remember as a kid sneaking food all the time because I was always hungry....I was a scrawny thing and hyper.....and then after I was on my own...I still feel I have that habit...."sneaking food" which I shouldn't since I buy the stuff I should be able to eat it. I guess I just don't like people to see me eat (or something like that) We're all here for you! You'll have us all cheering you on!
Angie--I'm so sorry about your friends. How tough it must be!! Was the one friend the one you mentioned in a previous post that had cancer? Did it come to her quickly? Sorry to hear that it all happened! Maybe someone should do a special scrapbook for the baby for her to have when it she gets older.
Sue--Sounds like you're going to have to get an upper or lower GI?? I've never had one but I've heard of them. Once it's all over with maybe you'll find out what's wrong. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get answers soon!
Hi to all the rest of you girls.
I'm taking Jhanai back home today. The weekend just flew!! Had lots of fun. She's really looking forward to see what her dad got her. Plus she wants to show him what she got from us. She had a good weekend.
I better get going. I need to gather some stuff up here in a little bit.
Good evening gals. I'm so surprised, we are having such a cool spell. Only in the 70's during the day. I actually have to shut windows at night, or its only 60 when I get up! I shouldn't say anything, it could easily be 95!
Well, I started a "new plan" today. I guess I need something really structured or I just take advantage of every little extra bit I have. I started on the Slim-Fast Jump Start plan. Now, I know, it's far from the healthiest thing in the world, but I need a "jump start". So far today I've done wonderfully, but the evenings are my worst times. I did stop at the grocery store and filled up on SF, jello, veggies, and fruits. At least enough for the next 5 days!
Angie - I had 2 shakes today! OK, slim fast doesn't count. I used to freeze it in the summer and eat it like ice cream. At least I didn't feel so guilty about it.
Sue - You probably will end up with a scope. Yaahoooooo! Of course, they should give you good drugs so you don't know what's going on! $2 for a movie is cheap. Our reduced rate theater is still $5, and it's a dirty, small place. I would much rather wait until the movies are out on video or on cable. I hate the people. And the theaters are always soooo cold!
Cristi - You did say alot of things that made sense. Although I don't have nearly as much to lose as you, I've been talking about the same 10-15 lbs for 2 years! Enough is enough. I told myself "get with the program girlfriend!" That's why I'm doing the jumpstart. I'm hoping it'll motivate me, and shrink my stomach a little so I don't want as much food!
Jana - Congrats on the treadmill. I would love to get one, but the $ right now just isn't there. I do have a $50 stepper I got a wal-mart. It is better than nothing.
Marti - Glad you had a good time at Enchanted Forest. That sounds like a really neat place.
Well, I suppose I should go, time for dinner. I'm allowed a shake, 3 vegetables, and a large salad. That really is a lot of food, when you look at the volume of it.
So full of chocolate candy.Don't know why I do that- think because of TOM??
Having a super day! My new boss started today, he is in training.Love to see the confusion on his face.......lol. Hey, no resentment here ......naw, he is a nice man. He is younger and he dresses pretty nifty. Been with HAP for 4 years,so look forward to working with him.
Sorry about your friends Angie.
Happy Birthday Jhanai!!! YAY- Auntie Susie is loopy , never remembers nuthin.
Going to take my daughters down to Enchanted Forrest , Marti. Rachel really has been wanting to go and Gaby will love it.
Had a nice weekend. I didn't sleep in though, can never do that- always think I am missing something.
Took the older girls to church and had dinner with them. Cleaned my apartment and waited for Gaby to come home.
I told her father where I lived after a year of witholding that info. Counseling has answered a lot of questions for us, we go tomorrow.
Gaby loves him.........so, for her and all of us really. Even invited him to B&J's for ice cream.
I had Chunky Monkey. Was that you Angie that said you bought some?? Anyway CM is really good.
Started teaching Rach had to drive this morning. She is only 13, so we did it in a parking lot. She giggles and looks at me when I correct her..........*sigh*....lol
Les is a sweetie. I just think he is so, so nice to me. The last 2 telephone conversations he ended it by saying "bye sweetie".........which is so .........umm, sweet...........duh. Got to get a new word.....
He also wants to take things slow, he doesn't want either of us hurt. He just is considerate and super funny. I like listening to him talk with his kids in the background. His daughter answered the phone once when I called and her dad said she fluttered her eyes when she said "it's Susan".......
I think we will see each other Saturday or he might drop in the office at night sometime this week. I was going to attend his evening church service next Sunday bacause mine doesn't have one. Anyway, blah- blah........
Cristi - my bracelet isn't an Italian kind... but a regular one, and those are the only charms on it. I may post a pic. The Joyce Meyer's inspirational book I have is Starting Your Day Right. They have it at Walmart. About the treadmill, I had one before and loved it - used it every other day like clockwork. Then I developed plantar's faciitis in my foot and my foot doc said it was most probably becaue of the treadmill so I got rid of it - just assumed I wouldn't ever be allowed on one again. Now I have his okay to use it again as long as I don't use much incline and always wear arch supports. I understand COMPLETELY what you mean about your body. I don't love mine, either, but I do love myself. Maybe I should say I don't love the way it looks.. Anyway, I applaud your determination to lose. Losing is 85% mental, imho. The energy I have now compared to 5 months ago is ...well, no comparision, and the feeling of accomplishment is great, and growing with every pound I lose. Btw, your starting weight isn't bad at all! You make it sound like you're the Goodyear blimp!
Sue - I'm glad for you that your neighbor will soon be home and you can having your walking buddy again. She's got some nerve, goin' off on vacation like that, lol!
Angie - Do you ever make fruit smoothies? They are so good and you can't really tell they are "lite".
Marti - I loved your pictures! Jhanai's birthday sounded like every little girl's dream come true.
Jen - I've been loving this Indiana cool spell.. we've been sleeping with the bedroom windows open a few inches, with a light quilt and it's so restful. I know what you mean about the theaters being cold.. I don't know why they have to freeze us out like that!
Susan - if we had the extra $$, I'd tell Neal we should buy some stock in B&J's, lol. The more I know about Les is More, the More I like him. Glad he doesn't want to rush things, either.
Hi to all my Jaded friends...
I've started back with doing the arm exercises again. At my age, I really don't have the elasticity that you younger ones do... and although I don't ever wear sleeveless shirts, I still don't want Batwings, lol. Guess what I bought yesterday? New bras! Pretty ones, too.
Chit Chat # 54
It's so sweet of you to want to send me something for losing 50 pounds, but don't you know you've already given me the gift I need? All of the words of encouragement and all of the applause is priceless... I truly mean that, Marti.
..super good.We both liked it.we met at a Starbucks,and had a chance to sit outside and chat. He is super outgoing and makes talking with so easy.He really is kind man, like him a lot. 
...romantic, eh???? lol
and he called 
me after I got home to talk for a minute.
And what a great gift to yourself! I love the charms and the meanings, so cool. Now are those the only charms on your bracelet? I too have a charm bracelet, but never thought about doing something like that. Of course I got mine a few years ago for my birthday from V & the kids. I have room for 2 more charms but haven't found any that I like or that has meaning to me so...I will keep looking. Hey, I thought I saw somewhere you mentioned Joyce Meyer-what was the name of the book again if you don't mind? I have her Eat & Stay Thin book that I am getting ready to read again, as well as Dr. Phil's book. I so desperately need to get back on track. You will like having a treadmill, especially when winter hits. V thought ours wouldn't get much use but let me tell ya, we all use it and there has never been any clothes hanging from it!
